A Happy Froyo Ice Cream Treat

I’m so deeply in love with ice cream, for a split moment of insanity, I thought that she might actually like me back.  Ice cream is always irresistible; it’s like dew drops to a thirsty man in the desert, like air after being underwater for a long time, like sex to the forty year old virgin, like that Gucci bag to the fashionista – it is love.      - LadyIronChef -

                                                      

Mamang sorbetero, anong ngalan mo?
Tinda mong ice cream, gustong-gusto ko
Init ng buhay, pinapawi mo
Sama ng loob, nalilimutan ko
CHORUS:
Mamang sorbetero, tayo'y sumayaw
Kalembang mong hawak, muling ikaway
Batang munti, sa 'yo'y naghihintay
Bigyang ligaya ngayong tag-araw

Masdan ang ulap sa himpapawid
Korteng sorbetes sa pisngi ng langit
Mata ng dalaga'y nananaginip
Mayro'ng sikretong nasasaisip

[Repeat CHORUS] 
Mainit na labi, nagbabagang mata
Sunog na pag-ibig, parang awa mo na
Mamang sorbetero, o, nasaan ka
Init ng buhay, pawiin mo na...

La la la la la...
-C. Legaspi-

Sorbetes ( popularly known as 'dirty ice cream' ) - Who wouldn't love it? Who wouldn't crave for it? Well, I haven't had a craving for an ice cream in a really long time ( I can't even remember the last time we had a scoop of it at Swensens). Not because the fear of having obesity crisis and the risk of having diabetes always sink deep into my mind but I just long for a Pinoy concoction. I don't know why but for some reason, commercial ice cream is not as good as before. I know many won't agree, it's just a plain opinion!

When we were young, our parents would usually bribe us an ice cream every time we hand them our report cards containing good grades (meaning, attaining good grades is always imperative).
The continuous and enticing loud ringing bell from ice cream peddlers always bring excitement to me  and to my siblings. The cart with large metal canisters offers a variety of flavors to choose from. Ube, manga, keso, jackfruit, melon sprinkled with pinipig are just among my favorites. Certainly, it wouldn't be complete without the 'apa' (an ice cream cone). I always prefer the sweet one.

Oh, If only I could fly back home and indulge myself in a sinfully delightful one....
I can't be otherwise...

Pleasure disappoints, possibility never!

Having the alternative

Archie gave in to temptation! He had been avoiding ice cream for months now. By the way, he can be the craziest when it comes to ice cream and chocolates. Imagine, he had been monopolising McDonalds' Hot Fudge for quite a while. That was when he's not into jogging yet!..oh He's a hunk now, to the slightest degree!..Keep on working Babe! Anyway, we saw this ice cream kiosk aptly named 'Ice Cream Parlour' with a number of teenagers in queue so we decided to try their frozen dairy goodness / creamy ice cream.
Oh boy! Such legitimate sweetness can surely cause one toothless!

and the other alternative

Have you seen a palate begging? My daughter has this usual drama of earnestly begging for a frozen yogurt whenever she sees one. We really don't allow her to have it or any cold products for that matter because she's prone to tonsillitis which will eventually develop to having fever. And that's our biggest worry, for her to be caught up in a real drama with scenarios of vomiting and rigors. But sometimes as parents we blindly give in to what will make our children happy despite the consequences.
Well, I didn't understand her craze for yogurts not until I reconsidered having a second attempt of it. It's a healthy alternative to ice cream although it tastes slightly sour.
A frozen yogurt shop adjacent Pasir Ris MRT station having a strange name 'Devil Yogurt and His Wicked Comrades' offers rage whipped yogurts that you'll surely like.
http://www.devilyogurt.com/?id=4840

evil yogurt with colorful minions

devilish name, Heavenly taste



  An invitingly soft curly swirls from a shallow cup



A DIY Yogurt

I love the color combination. It's so sweet.

Archie with the pretty Malaysian cashier.

A strange name, isn't?

Such a sweet S$3.30 birthday treat from a sweet husband!

I love my simple yet amazing life!

10 Things I Could Hardly Live Without.

Well, aside from my mobile phone which I use 24/7 ( just don't expect for an immediate response as I am perhaps the laziest person when it comes to sending SMS ) and my camera, there are ten more things I could hardly live without.

Mosquito Net - Taking it away from me is like a newborn being deprived of milk, an insomniac patient with no night sedation due to liver disease, an alcoholic having an alcohol withdrawal syndrome or a spoiled brat who suddenly lost her lavish lifestyle.
I don't know when and how I started this peculiar habit of rubbing my feet on it. I just find it completely comfortable. I like the sweat and warmth it generates. I basically use it everyday except at work.
There was one time when I travelled alone and I sat in an aisle seat beside a foreigner and he kept on staring at my feet ( he was like stare, take a nap, stare, use the lavatory and stare again ) during the entire flight! I didn't care at all. Odd isn't it? But seriously, I love the glorious comfort it gives.

The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Tint - I seldom use makeup at work. I don't have the patience to stay in front of the mirror for a long time to put makeup on my face even if I know, I'll be facing doctors and patients for eight hours or more. I just put lip tint on my lips and I apply it moderately over my cheeks as well. I use it essentially always.

For a natural looking and lasting "just blushed" glow to the cheeks or "just bitten in to a strawberry lips", this double-duty product is a must have for the make-up bag. The more you apply it on, the deeper it gets.

-The Body shop-

Five Cranes Menthol Cone / Katinko  / Biogesic - I'm allergic to smoke and perfumes.  It will surely cause my migraine to resurrect but oftentimes it's inevitable so I always keep one of them in my pocket.

1. Five Cranes - Php 35/each
2. Katinko which probably cost less than 100 Pesos.
3. Biogesic

Lord of Pardon Prayer Booklet - It's the most important to me. Everytime I travel I make sure that it is in my pocket. I always read it wherever I am. It's my travel buddy!

"A humble and contrite heart, O God Thou wilt not despise"

My Rosary - It's an old rosary of my mother in law. I just replaced the old cross with a new one. I've been carrying it with me for years now.

"The rosary is the book of the blind, where souls see and there enact the greatest drama of love the world has ever known. The power of the rosary is beyond description."   
- Archbishop Fulton Sheen -

The small pouch was given to me by a patient from Nepal.


"Love the Madonna and pray the rosary. All graces given by God pass through the Blessed Mother" - St. Pader Pio

My Kikay Kit - Yes, it's true, women with no makeup look natural but homely that is why having it makes us more confident.

I put them on when I'm going on a date with my husband or when meeting up with my best friends.

My Kikay Kit - Shu Uemura glow on was given by my bestfriend Norren.

My purse - It contains perhaps my entire life hehehe.

Gel Tonique and Milk Cleanser - I have an oily skin and I'm really prone to pimples! My colleague used to tease me and say that I can use the excess oil on my face to fry an egg. That's so true!

Omron's Portable BP Apparatus - I need this specially when travelling with my husband. He has the tendency of having  a sky-high BP reading. Thanks to my sister in law.

Given by my sister in law

Lee Lee by Benefit - I'm allergic to perfumes. I only use two brands Lee Lee by Benefit or Eclat. The first foray didn't cause migraine but the succeeding sprays did. I wouldn't want to smell too plain so I blindly apply them instead. My Five Cranes, Katinko and Biogesic are always available to save me anyway.

woody floral - a light blend of citrus, jasmine & lily blossoms.

a naturally light scent with a classic feminine style

a poem to describe LeeLee...her playful wink

and mischievous smile

the flirtatious side

of her innocent style

no thought or worry

of what's meant to be

first laughter, then love

"... along came leelee"

-BENEFIT-

A True Valentine Meaning

What perks do I get when it's valentines day and in few days time is my birthday?

A breakfast in bed? - No, an early morning coffee talk with Archie instead. It feels great to reminisce eight years of courtship and nearly twelve years of marital bliss.

Chocolates? - No. I'm not into sweet delicacies nor truffles ( except for the classic donut and halo-halo ).
I LOVE YOUs, frequent warm embraces and sincere kisses are more than enough. Yes, they might be customary but they always give an intense impact and they are the truest gestures of l-o-v-e.

Flowers? - Yes but not by force. Archie is not keen on sending flowers. At least I've learned to understand that since we got married. He has his own unique way of showing his affection - cooking for me is one of them!

Surprise gift? - No. A genuine and simple greeting is notably the sweetest. I'm not really fussy when it comes to celebrating special occasions. I don't get irritated when I don't receive well wishes from Archie and Dayne. But don't get me wrong I love surprises too!

Hanging out in a romantic restaurant? - No, having our favorite donut with OJ is seemingly beyond compare.

A movie date? -  He loves action films but I love to see a feel-good romantic movie this time. Not a good idea. Sacrificing little things wouldn't harm us anyway. Remember that love is a sacrifice and it can never be a compromise.

A date elsewhere? - hmmm maybe! A short walk at Eastcoast and nestle on those wood benches will do. A church visit for thanksgiving will be lovely and a 20-minute rosary will always be necessary.

LOVE is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

-The Holy Bible-

Life is so much easier living with the sweetest, loving the simplest!

Yes, we are deeply and insanely in love with her!

Roses Are Red...

Roses are red; daisies are white;

Valentine, you make every day a delight.

Violets are blue; daffodils are yellow;
Valentine, you make my heart jiggle like Jello!-Joanna Fuchs-

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Drama I love

Today marked the finale of the Filipino afternoon drama series that I've loved to watch via TFC and obviously became part of my weekday afternoon routine for the past couple of months. I'm not really keen on the idea of watching drama series as they have almost the same story endings but this one captured my attention not just because the topbilled actress is one of my favorite but because it has a feel good romantic story.
It is also funny how my husband would tolerate seeing me awake till the wee hours of the morning just watching the episodes that I've missed while I was at work. Episodes were irresistible and unlike typical pinoy drama, its ending wasn't ironic. It was very satisfying even with the surprising twist.

Based on tweets I've read, the story derived from Martha Cecilia's 'Dominic'.

The day I fell in love with dramas!

SYNOPSIS. Alyna (Shaina Magdayao) is a woman who grew up feeling unloved until she meets Rex (Sid Lucero). He was fun, charismatic and immediately swept Alyna off her feet. When she thought she finally found love in the arms of Rex, he suddenly disappears. The faculty assistant is then left alone, heartbroken and carrying his child.

In the search for Rex, Alyna crosses paths with Dominic (Jason Abalos)—a sad, serious and cold man. But as the days progress, the fire in Alyna's heart blazes anew as she got to know the endearing qualities of Dominic. He could be the man Alyna was looking for all along.

But Rex returns, promising to continue the love story he started weaving with Alyna. Who will Alyna choose: the man she loved first or the man who promises to love her forever?

-Jocelyn Dimaculangan-

Thursday, September 16, 201002:38 AM

A Date with the DYs

Aside from the Mataacs, the Dys became our second family since we decided to work in Singapore in 2007. They are very pleasant, friendly and somehow we value the same interests including having a candid talk with Mrs. Dy whenever we bump into each other at the kitchen - slight 'tawanan' becomes inevitable too.

I love the fondest way they love each other. You'll frequently catch them in the kitchen - the scenario - Mr. Dy being preoccupied doing the preparations while Mrs. Dy do the cooking or it can be the other way around. The menus they prepare never fail to amuse us. You must try their own version of 'Sinulbot na Saging na Latundan' with caramelised sauce, ice cream and a bit of Tequila to taste. It's better than the chocolates and tarts that I've tried from the a la cart at Tampines food court. They really got the so-called Gordon Ramsay's secrets! Mrs. Dy's pasta with her unusual gourmet sauce is exceptionally the best. And not to mention their own version of Mojito. It's a real throat cleanser and I like it!

There's only one thing I dare not join them - playing Xbox... talking about how awful dancer I can be. Well, there's just no beat nor rhythm. I really can't get them anyhow.

We spend literally everyday together but we seldom go for a double date, not until we realised that it's the flower festival again and we decided not to miss it this time.
It was drizzling when we reached the festival boardwalk and I was a little bit worried that we couldn't take decent pictures of the flower display. Thanks to Mrs. Dy who thought me on how to adjust the ISO of our camera. Easier for an IT expert to do it, right? See how ignorant I was! Anyway, we had a great time walking and talking along the boardwalk. The couple grabbed a mixed of cheese and caramel popcorn from Garrett and unselfishly shared with us. Again, we are grateful for their kindness.

Oh flowers really intoxicate me! I love seeing them. Suddenly we became busy, a 'walang pansinan' mode, bending here and there trying to get a closer picture with the flowers. It was indeed a simple yet a happy date.

After two hours of mingling with different flower species and a quick dinner, we decided to take a peep at the casino. Well, there's nothing much in it except for the extremely elegant chandeliers, live entertainment events (songs played are in Mandarin, anyway) and of course gambling facilities with bankers and tons of chips awaiting on the baccarat tables. They don't really charm me in any way!

We went home past 12 midnight. The Chinese taxicab driver delighted us with his Tagalogs. It's amazing that he can very well speak the vernacular specially those vulgar ones, words you prolly wouldn't want to hear either.

It was truly a nice experience with the Dys! We're hoping to have another date with the Mataacs soon!

In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends.
-Kozuko Okakura-

Photo credit: WiL and MeL

At the Merlion pathway.

I will be the gladdest thing under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
-Edna St. Vincent Millay-

I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.
-Emma Goldman-

Flowers are love's truest language.
-Park Benjamin-

A winning warm Teh Tarik

This is what you call a candid classic shot :D
It works at least for me!

yes, we are the boss!... 
and they just respect that!

Nice frame :D

                                                                            

Celebrating the Past

A British examiner asked me to describe a museum. I suddenly caught myself just staring at her for a moment, grasping for words. I felt I was left high and dry, probably because I haven't been to a museum itself. Finally, I answered her in the most honest way I can...that I was reared and grew up in the province where a museum is hardly available. And at the back of my mind, Music Museum and what she's asking about are basically the same but I didn't consider to elaborate more. Funny, isn't? ( That's the problem when mental block strikes. I even blamed the coffee that I took prior to the interview.) I felt so embarrassed by giving her the stupidest answer one could ever imagine. How could I miss the chance of exploring a place where historical records and artifacts are being exhibited?


After the interview, I saw my husband waiting for me at the university lobby. He hugged me upon seeing my frustrated, teary-eyed and dazed looking face. He didn't bother to ask me if the interview went well as perhaps my facial grimace left him an undeniably clear answer . Instead, he just took my hand and we went to the nearest available church. He finally broke his silence by asking me what were the questions asked during the interview and I told him with reluctance. He was surprised that I wasn't able to discuss even the simplest description of a museum. He even reminded me of our visit to 'Museo Pambata' when Dayne was four. Oh God, how could I not remember!

Not caring a bit too much of the interview result but my honesty or should I say my stupidity and forgetfulness yielded a satisfactory result. 


Following my third graveyard shift was my rest day, my husband told me to rest as he will take me for a walk later in the afternoon. I just ignored him because I thought he will just bring me to a hawker nearby so I rested and had a good nap! At nearly 3pm he woke me up and invited me for a late lunch...oh having a leftover 'Sinigang na Isda' was heavenly. He again told me that we're going for a walk. For the second time, I just shrugged off.


And why are we taking MRT? out of curiosity, I asked him...


Contrary to what I thought, he's going to bring me to the National Museum! And just as I thought that we're going to pay for the entrance fee, surprisingly, it's free!

A dramatic pose with Archie at the museum's lobby

Take a tour of Singapore’s food heritage and discover how our hawker culture has developed. Learn about the origins of certain Singapore foods such as Chicken Rice and Chilli Crab, and find out about secret food hideaways here. Where can you find the best char kway teow in town? Or the most sedap mee rebus or laksa? This yummilicious talk will include a short tour of the Food Gallery and tasting of Singapore’s cult hawker favourites!
-Credit to Singapore's Food Heritage - National Museum Singapore-

Taken at the living gallery

I love doing normal things - movies, shopping, going out with friends, writing, reading, taking hot bubble baths - that's a big one for relaxation. I also love to go to art and history museums.
-Christina Aguilera-

Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering - because you can't take it in all at once.
-Audrey Hepburn-

At the fashion gallery

At the food gallery

At the photo gallery where flash is strictly prohibited.

At the National museum lobby. Ganito pala kapag tumatanda na, yung simpleng pasyal at lakad ay nag dudulot na ng sobrang saya.

Littlest Things make the Biggest

Photo credit: Google images

When boredom attacks, I do simple things to alleviate it - things likely to make me happy. Unnecessary conversations or 'tsismisan' is definitely not one of them. (Minsan lang!)

Aside from searching good blogs, I also enjoy writing. I like to write about the littlest things or any special portion of events and the blessings and teachings they contain.

I've always had the yearning to draw and sketch even if sometimes I cannot get the exact result that I want. I love to sketch frocks or any formal attire. When I was young I also aspired of becoming a fashion illustrator but Nursing was more of a priority to me.
I remember doing paper dolls for my friends and their thank you gestures were my sweetest reward.

I can draw depending on my mood.

A desperate photographer - Yes! I love taking pictures. I'm not an expert but I always find pleasure in doing it. I have shot a few of my impressive macros and I'm keen to learning and trying. I love to take pictures of flowers and sceneries too but oftentimes I can't get a sharp, decent composition just like other photographers do. A proper tutorial from the likes of Lito Sy or Nelwin Uy will surely create a professional quality.
......and speaking of flowers, Roses for valentines day would be nice. If Archie is unable to remember this day, I'll give him a chance to redeem himself 'till the 18th! But seriously,  being a devoted and loving husband is more than enough than having a cozy dinner at a romantic restaurant or showering our bed with Rose petals!

Taken at Pasir Ris Park

I love this picture! The lighting is a little dramatic.

Reading can be such a solitary experience yet it gives me different kind of excitement. One of my favorite books - The Shack by William P. Young. This was given to me by a patient who is a priest in Spain. It's a Christian novel. It made me realised the lack of faith that I have. Well, it depends upon on how you draw your own percention of faith. It is very inspirational and has a beyond interesting contents. Reading it can be too engaging but it can also be dangerous - Catholic Media Review.

Another book that I can suggest is from one of our local writers Jon Escoto. There was a point in time when I wanted to leave my profession because it has been so routinely and that I found no more excitement to hug but his book made me see beyond the soul of work.
It also suggested wise and concrete ideas to make your job worth keeping and enjoying. You can easily find it in our local religious bookshops or you rather borrow mine.

40 Days of meeting God in your Office Cubicle...:)
You spend more than 60 percent of your waking hours at work. So if you're miserable in the office, you are therefore miserable more than half time you're awake! Imagine what your life woud be if you could turn those long working hours of sheer drudgery into Extraordinay Joy - something you only dream about while you sleep.
-Jon  Escoto-

DIY party favors - I love doing party favors for free! I mean, you buy and I can do it for you free of charge ( for as long as I'm not busy ). There are plenty of DIY party favor ideas available in the internet, you just have to browse them with patience.
They doesn't have to be very expensive but they should be creative and lovely as they serve as the memento of the event.

Ward's Christmas favors 2010

Meet my lovable assistant!

Petal tossing cones

Crafting = Mother and daughter bonding.
Being with Dayne makes me feel young yet it also makes me look old. Playing with her makes me feel like a kid again but after the 'kalat' you will hear her famous line "mi you can fix them better than I do."....oh gosh, poor Nanay! Lucky, Tatay is always there to rescue...Nonetheless, spending time with her is priceless.

You can't disturb her. She's busy!

She and her subtle mind!

Trying to create another Tinkerbell!

Love gives meaning to our lives – as do friendship, or art or faith in God. These are factors of true happiness, of inner peace, of feelings of harmony, allowing meaning to our existence.

-MeaningS of Life-